Mozambique to Zimbabwe: 14 Day Adventure Tour (Camping)

Day 1. Pretoria to Hazyview Highlights. Shangaan Cultural Evening.

From Pretoria - South Africa’s administrative capital - we travel via Mpumalanga with its beautiful scenery and mountainous views to the Panorama Route and South Africa’s famed Kruger National Park.

After settling into our camp just outside of the the park, we immerse ourselves in the local culture and enjoy Shangaan tribal singing and dancing around an open fire - learning more about the local culture and ways of life.

3 images Shangaan Cultural Evening

Day 2. Hazyview to Kruger National Park Highlights. Kruger National Park, South Africa.

Camera and binoculars at hand, we board custom-build open 4x4 safari vehicles, ready for our full-day game drive in this magnificent park. Kruger is home to the 'Big 5' - lion, rhino, leopard, elephant and buffalo as well as over 505 bird-species which we enthusiastically search for during the morning and afternoon.

We return to our campsite in the late afternoon and enjoy an evening around the open fire.

3 images Kruger National Park, South Africa

Day 3. Hazyview to Bilene, Mozambique Highlights. Bilene, Mozambique.

We’re off to the white sandy beaches and turquoise waters of Mozambique! Completing formalities at the border post, our first night is at Bilene in the province of Gaza.

Our camp is set on the beach-front where we spend the night - lulled by the sound of the ocean and enjoying the fresh breeze as we unwind from our day.

3 images Bilene, Mozambique

Day 4. Bilene to Tofo, Inhambane Highlights. Inhambane, Mozambique.

Following the rural coastline, we arrive at our beach resort at Tofo, Inhambane where we will spend the next two nights.

Tofo is a quaint seaside town with lovely open beaches stretching for miles. There are many activities on offer here, such as horse riding, snorkelling and scuba diving. Whale Sharks and Manta Rays inhabit the coastal waters year-round and are in larger numbers in the summer months (November to March).

3 images Inhambane, Mozambique

Day 5. Tofo, Inhambane Highlights. Tofo, Inhambane, Mozambique.

Today is at leisure to enjoy the local tropical beaches and the many activities on offer. There are some exciting bars and restaurants in the area - sample the local cuisine and the local beer (called ‘2M’), or simply relax alongside the water's edge with a good book.

Inhambane town has a colourful history and was the base of trade in the region for many years during colonial times. The local market, Catholic Church and harbour are popular for those wishing to head out and explore.

3 images Tofo, Inhambane, Mozambique

Day 6. Tofo, Inhambane to Vilanculos Highlights. Vilanculos, Mozambique.

From one tropical haven to another! Today we arrive at the quaint town of Vilanculos, which was named after a local tribal chief Gamala Vilankulo Mukoke. This town lays 500km south of Beira and is famously known as the Gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago.

We board a traditional dhow boat and set off to our picturesque camp set in a tranquil setting on the coastal edge.

3 images Vilanculos, Mozambique

Day 7. Vilanculos Highlights. Magaruque Island, Vilanculos, Mozambique.

It's time to board a traditional wooden dhow boat and set sail to Magaruque Island, the third Island in the archipelago and the closest to Vilanculos. Here you can enjoy a walk along the white beaches and dunes and enjoy the views, or snorkel in crystal turquoise waters. Alternatively simply enjoy lazing on the powdery-white, deserted beaches.

In the late afternoon, we return to the mainland and our campsite for our last night on the coast.

3 images Magaruque Island, Vilanculos, Mozambique

Day 8. Vilanculos to Bandula Area

Waving 'goodbye' to the coast we head inland to the Bandula area near the Chicamba Dam. Our campsite is located within a 550-hectare conservancy and close by there is a local environmental centre that aims to educate local school children about the importance of conserving the local fauna and flora.

We set up camp close to the dam and enjoy our last night in Mozambique before we cross the border into neighbouring Zimbabwe tomorrow.

Day 9. Bandula Area to Masvingo, Zimbabwe Highlights. Great Zimbabwe National Monument, Zimbabwe.

Leaving Mozambique we enter into Zimbabwe and continue to the small town of Masvingo.

Nearby is one of the most important archaeological sites in Southern Africa and Zimbabwe's namesake historical site - The Great Zimbabwe National Monument. Dating back to 1200 AD, this was once home to an indigenous population of some 10,000 people who lived in an organised civilisation. We explore the area by foot with a local guide and admire the intricate building styles, fortifications and marvellous views from the towering Citadel.

3 images Great Zimbabwe National Monument, Zimbabwe

Day 10. Masvingo to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe Highlights. Bulawayo.

Next stop is Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's second-largest city. On arrival, explore the town and local artisan markets and stroll the wide-open jacaranda tree-lined avenues. Our camp in the leafy suburbs just out of the city centre where we prep for our half day's excursion to Matabo National Park the following day.

Day 11. Matobo National Park Highlights. Matobo National Park, Zimbabwe.

Transferring from our Acacia vehicle into smaller 4x4 game viewing vehicles, we are accompanied by a local guide and head into the nearby Matobo National Park. Here we explore the park and surrounding hills and we may be lucky enough to leave the vehicle and track some of the wild animals on foot.

Matobo National Park is well known for its populations of both black and white rhinoceros and we game drive this morning in the hope of seeing these odd-looking beasts. There are also a number of antelope species, including the majestic Roan and Sable antelope which make for striking pictures.

There is the option to extend this to a full-day which will include a historical tour and a visit to Worlds View - the site of Cecil John Rhode's grave, set high in the granite hills.

3 images Matobo National Park, Zimbabwe

Day 12. Bulawayo to Hwange National Park Highlights. Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe.

From Bulawayo, we head to Hwange National Park - Zimbabwe's largest National Park.

Hwange is home to large populations of a variety of animals including all the 'Big 5' and it is also known for its success with the conservation of the Painted Dog (African Wild Dog).

We enjoy a late afternoon game drive with a local guide in an open 4x4 game viewing vehicle and seek out the wildlife in this corner of Zimbabwe.

3 images Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Day 13. Hwange National Park to Victoria Falls Highlights. Victoria Falls National Park.

We embark on the final leg of the journey into the small town of Victoria Falls, nestled on the edge of the Zambezi River. First stop is visiting the Victoria Falls and we explore the paths along the edge of the gorge where the Zambezi plunges some 100 metres - a truly awe-inspiring sight.

The Victoria Falls area is an adventure-lovers paradise with a wide variety of activities on offer. Our ground team here will run through the options and make the necessary arrangements for activities during your stay here.

3 images Victoria Falls National Park

Day 14. Victoria Falls

After breakfast this morning our journey comes to an end, however we do recommend spending some extra time in the area after your tour - to fully enjoy the sights and many activities on offer.